Disturbing Courtroom Revelations in Preston Davey Case
Jamie Varley, 37, a teacher from Blackpool, shocked the courtroom by confessing to his mother, “I’m going to hell,” amid accusations that he sexually abused and murdered his adopted 13-month-old son, Preston Davey. Varley stands charged with Preston’s murder alongside 25 other serious allegations involving sexual and physical abuse.
Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, faces related charges including sexual assault and causing or allowing Preston’s death, plus four additional offenses. Both men vehemently deny all accusations.
Tragic Final Moments Unveiled in Court
The court previously heard that on 27 July 2023, Varley rushed Preston to Blackpool Victoria Hospital unconscious after an alleged final sexual assault. Medical staff battled for nearly an hour to revive the infant but ultimately pronounced him dead at 7:20 p.m.
Emotional footage shown to the jury captured Varley in the hospital’s bereavement room with his mother, Karen Graham. Described as “hysterical,” Varley blamed himself, pleading, “It’s my fault, I left him for literally two minutes… Please kill me.”
Additional footage showed Varley outside the hospital shortly after Preston’s death, as well as his partner and mother consoling each other inside the bereavement room. The final clip revealed Varley cradling Preston’s body late into the night, as McGowan-Fazakerley offered support, saying, “It’s going to be the hardest thing… we’ve got each other.”
When told not to blame himself and that Preston’s death was a “tragic accident,” Varley responded chillingly, “I probably won’t see you again. I’m definitely going to hell. They’ll be whisking me away for neglect.”
Background: From Adoption to Alleged Abuse
Preston was born on 16 June 2022 and immediately placed into care by Oldham Council. After a thorough assessment, he was adopted by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley on 1 April 2023, moving into their Blackpool home.
On the day Preston died, Varley told medical staff that he left the baby alone in the bath for a few minutes before discovering him drowning. However, senior anaesthetist Dr. Wendy Aubrey testified she found no water in Preston’s mouth or airways. A post-mortem revealed a staggering 40 injuries on the infant’s body.
Charges and Denials
Varley, formerly a high school teacher, faces charges of murder, manslaughter, multiple counts of sexual assault and child cruelty, grievous bodily harm, and numerous counts related to indecent images of a child. McGowan-Fazakerley denies charges including allowing Preston’s death, child cruelty, and sexual assault.
The trial continues with proceedings adjourned until Thursday morning.
